Preventive Care
Professional scaling involves the use of an Ultrasonic Scaler that scrapes off the bacterial plaque and tartar on the tooth surface. Polishing is done after this cleaning to smoothen the tooth surface.
Is cleaning harmful?
No, professional cleaning does not harm the tooth structure. Some people can experience temporary sensitivity or bleeding from the gums immediately after a professional cleaning, but there will be nothing else to worry about. There will be no damage to enamel from a tooth cleaning
Will my teeth loosen up after a cleaning?
Definitely not. The Teeth will not loosen up after cleaning them. Sometimes the excessive accumulation of tartar will hold the teeth in place. On removing the tartar, the teeth may feel loose, but this is actually due to progression of a gum disease.
How often should I see the Dentist for cleaning?
Both children and adults should visit their dentist for teeth cleaning and a general check up every six months. People with a greater risk for oral diseases should go for dental check ups more than twice a year. Tobacco and alcohol use, diabetes, pregnancy, periodontal and gum disease, poor oral hygiene and other particular medical conditions are some of the many factors that your dentist takes into consideration when deciding how often you need your dental cleaning and check up.
What is Tooth Polishing?
After a professional cleaning, tooth polishing is done with special, medicated pastes to make the tooth surface smooth and glossy and prevent any sensitivity.
Will Teeth Cleaning change the color of my teeth?
NO. Teeth cleaning only removes the dirt that is stuck on the tooth surface. It will not change the color of the teeth. The shade of the tooth can be enhanced only by a tooth whitening procedure.
Dental Sealants
Seal Away Tooth Decay with Dental Sealants.
Sealants are a safe, painless and low cost way to protect your back teeth from decay. A thin layer of sealant is bonded to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant forms a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth and causing decay.
Who should get Sealants?
Dental Sealants are ideally indicated for children when the permanent tooth erupts in the mouth. The chewing surfaces of back teeth have tiny grooves that form as each tooth develops. This is where most decay occurs in children because the bristles of the toothbrush cannot clean the food and bacteria are trapped within the grooves.
Which teeth to be sealed?
Usually premolars and permanent molar surfaces are sealed.
What is the right age for Sealants?
Between 6 to 14 years of age. However, adults with erupting wisdom teeth can also get them sealed
Dr. Smilez Dental Center provides free preventive dental awareness programs, including a general dental checkup. If you would like a session in your child’s school/office or your building association, please contact us.
Tooth Color Fillings
What is Tooth Decay or “Cavity”?
Tooth decay or cavity is an infectious disease that destroys the structure of teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to pain and infection and in severe cases, it ends in tooth loss.
What causes tooth decay?
Bacteria in the mouth feeding on sugar from diet produce acids that destroy tooth structure, creating a “hole” in the tooth, otherwise known as cavity
Can tooth decay spread from one tooth to another?
Yes! Decay which starts on the sides of teeth can spread to the adjacent tooth if left untreated
What is the treatment for tooth decay?
Initial tooth decay can be treated by simply filling the cavity with tooth color materials. If the decay is extensive, causing tooth pain or gum swelling, a root canal treatment is recommended
What are the filling materials that are used?
The most commonly used dental filling materials are Silver Amalgam and Composite (tooth color) materials. Silver Amalgam fillings contain about 50% mercury and 50% various other metals. While there have been no conclusive studies to relate mercury in the amalgam to any danger, mercury by itself is very toxic. However, with the advent of newer filling materials, amalgam is not used as often as it once was. More than 70% of the fillings are done with resin or composite materials currently.
How can we prevent Tooth Decay?
The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Eating healthy foods, avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in sugar, use of dental sealants and visiting the dentist twice a year will also help in preventing tooth decay.
Dr. Smilez Dental Center provides free preventive dental awareness programs, including a general dental checkup. If you would like a session in your child’s school/office or your building association, please contact us.
Fluoride Treatment
Why is it required?
- Tooth enamel crystals that have fluoride are stronger and much more resistant to acid.
- They are less likely to break down and cause the tooth surface to become porous
What is fluoride application?
Fluoride varnish or gel is a highly concentrated form of fluoride which is applied to the tooth’s surface, by a dentist
How is the application done?
It is applied to the outside of the enamel as a varnish or as a gel in fluoride application trays. Dr.Smilez provides free preventive dental awareness programs including a general dental checkup. If you would like a session in your child’s school/office or your building association, please contact us.
Mouth Guards
Why you should wear a Mouth Guard?
Prevent injury to your teeth while playing sports; especially contact sports
- Cushions teeth against impact
- Protects against jaw-joint injuries
- Protects against injuries to the gums
- Helps prevent neck & jaw injuries
- May help reduce concussion
Prevent injury to your teeth while playing sports; especially contact sports
Home Care
Tooth Brushing
- Choose a good toothbrush
- Use a soft brush with a small head. A soft brush is hard enough to remove plaque and soft enough not to damage your teeth or gum.
- Replace your toothbrush after every three months or when the bristles are frayed.
- Replace your toothbrush after a bout of cold or fever
- Choose a good toothpaste.
- A pea size of tooth paste is enough
- In general any toothpaste that contains Fluoride will do
Electric Brush versus Manual Brushes
- In general, electric brushes are more effective in controlling the plaque than manual brushes.
- Some electric brushes have sonic vibration that is difficult to mimic with a hand brush!
- Other electric brushes have small heads that help you reach hard to reach areas of your mouth. This is more important for somebody with orthodontic braces or a history of gum disease
Mouth Rinses
- Many people use mouth rinses to freshen their breath. Use of mouth rinse is not a substitute to brushing.
- Mouth rinses containing fluoride are effective in control of dental caries and are especially useful for those wearing braces.
- Mouth rinses are also available for the control of gum problem
Diet & Dental Health
- Eat well balanced meals every day with fruits and vegetables.
- Eat sweets in limited proportions with a meal, and not as a snack.
- Rinse your mouth after every meal, especially after eating sticky food.
- Avoid aerated drinks
